How to Compose an HTML Email
HTML email allow you to add visual appeal and functionality to your messages. This is particularly apt for email newsletters and sales letters where compelling calls to action and imagery that mimics a print publication are key. For security reasons, many webmail clients do not currently support full HTML emails. However, you can still incorporate your HTML-formatted letter or message into an email in a number of ways.
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Instructions
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Use a client that allows HTML emails. Most email clients now favor rich text formatting (i.e. WYSIWYG) rather than raw HTML. Still, some clients such as Mozilla's Thunderbird and a number of programs dedicated to email newsletters such as ConstantContact and MailChimp still support HTML. In lieu of one of these clients, you can follow the instructions below.
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Compose your HTML email in a web page designing program. Use a program such as Frontpage or Dreamweaver to type in your raw HTML. You can also type out your HTML in a text document and save it with the .HTML extension.
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Render your HTML by previewing it in your program or opening it in a web browser.
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Copy and paste the rendered HTML into your email. This works for Gmail and many other web-based clients.
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Attach or embed your HTML file. Alternately, you can attach your HTML file just as you would an image or document. With this method, it's best to include a short introductory message encouraging readers to open the attachment to read the rest of your newsletter.
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Send the page from your browser. Instead of copying and pasting or attaching, you can also send web pages as email messages using Internet Explorer. Open your HTML page in Internet Explorer by clicking "File" and choosing "Send" and "Page by Email." The rendered HTML will then be embedded into an email message in Outlook.
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Tips & Warnings
For more tips on how to use HTML tags, take the W3 Schools tutorial linked in the Resources section.
Different email clients may handle HTML email differently. Be sure to provide a plain text version of your newsletter for recipients who cannot receive HTML email.
